Assad Makes TV Appearance

Bashar al-Assad appeared on Syrian state television while meeting with Iran’s security chief Saeed Jalili. Iran is one of Syria’s fiercest allies. The accompanying news report said, “Assad and Jalili discussed bilateral relations between Syria and the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as the situation in the region.” Jalili said that only a “Syrian solution” would resolve the country’s crisis. Assad’s appearance was his first since July 22—four days after a bombing killed four officials in Damascus. The latest television appearance came just one day after Prime Minister Riad Hijab defected to the opposition.